Hasta La Gadget!

Dell today posted a video of its 10-inch sub-$300 Mini 10v netbook today running three OSes–most interesting was the fact that one of the systems was running the Cupcake version of Google’s open Android OS. Of course, just because Dell’s technology strategist Doug Anson was showing off the configuration in an officially sanctioned video doesn’t mean that the company is going to release it to market, right?

Dell hasn’t made any official statements to that effect, but if that’s not part of the game plan, it sort of begs the question why the company would release such a video. Barring an announcement in the next few days, the answer here seems to be, you know, because they can.

Need some further proof that Dell is working on an Android-powered netbook? How about a video featuring Doug Anson, Dell’s Technology Strategist, sitting next to a Mini 10v that’s running Android? And it’s not just any flavor of Google’s OS — oh no, this is the frosting-covered goodness of Cupcake. Sadly the demonstration is nothing more than showing the desktop with that big, iconic clock, but it’s proof enough that Round Rock’s finest are working on something special. Also shown are 10v’s running standard Ubuntu and the Netbook Remix, but they don’t taste nearly as good. Video after the break.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Continue reading Dell’s Mini 10v shown running a plethora of operating systems, Android Cupcake among them

Filed under: Laptops

Dell’s Mini 10v shown running a plethora of operating systems, Android Cupcake among them originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell today showed off the new Latitude 2100, a 10.1-inch touchscreen netbook targeted at students. The computer ships with either Linux or Windows (Vista or XP Home) installed and runs off of the Intel N270 Atom chip. It also features built-in Wi-Fi a Webcam, and a anti-microbial keyboard for all of those kid germs.

The Latitude 2100 weighs 2.9 pounds, features a ruggedized exterior, and comes in five different colors. It’s available from the Dell priced at $369 and $450, for Linux and Windows, respectively.

And once again, Dell’s website earns its informal title as the number one source for all Dell leaks. Though still not official for the US, the company’s 20-inch ST2010 HD monitor has reared its widescreen head in the customization options for the Studio XPS desktop. Comparing its additive fees with the others on the list, we’d wager the retail price will end up somewhere in the $130 to $150 range. No indication on when we can pick up the monitor sans gaming rig, but it can’t be too far off now.

[Thanks, John]

Filed under: Displays

Dell 20-inch ST2010 HD monitor pops up Stateside in Studio XPS desktop bundle originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell is betting small computers will be perfect for tiny hands as it launches a new “rugged” netbook targeted at students.

Called the Latitude 2100, the netbook comes with an anti-microbial keyboard (perfect for germy little hands), a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a case with a rubber-like feel and a choice of five colors.

“Compared to plastic or magnesium alloy, the rubberized casing makes the device easy to grip and non-slip,” says David Lord, senior manager at Dell. “It shows our intent of using the netbook form factor in a way that benefits the education market.”

Based on a Intel Atom N270 processor, the Latitude 2100 netbook offers a choice of Windows or Ubuntu Linux OS, up to 1 GB memory,  up to 16 GB solid state drive or 250 GB hard drive, Bluetooth,  wireless LAN and a touchpad input. The netbook weighs 2.91 lbs. It also offers features such as a network activity light located at the back of the display so teachers can monitor the device’s connectivity status.

“That way teachers know if students are checking Facebook instead of working on a document,” says Lord.

There also some quirky touches such as a slot on the netbook’s hinge for the school log or owner’s name.

The Latitude 2100’s rubber-like coating is interesting and is in step with the industry-wide trend towards using innovative materials such as leather, fabric and bamboo in laptops. The device’s touchscreen also allows for innovative use of educational software, says  David Ruth, product manager for Dell.

What we would have loved is an overall slimmer profile for the machine. The Latitude netbook has a slightly chunky look and that can be distracting. The device’s generously proportioned keyboard (at 95 percent of a full sized keyboard) makes us overlook some of that.  The keyboard is comfortable enough to take the for users that want to take the device for uses beyond just basic web surfing.

Overall, though the Latitude 2100 is targeted at younger students, it is an attractive netbook for adult users and businesses. The laptop compares very favorably to the Dell Mini netbook series in price and features and being part of the Latitude brand allows it to take advantage of Dell’s services such as data protection and asset tracking that are not available for the Mini.

The Latitude 2100 will start at $369 for a version running Linux.

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com